Abstract (in English)

The notion that the past needs to be conserved for the benefit of future generations is well known in different areas of knowledgment and heritage management. Traditionally, this mean that cultural heritage – tangible or intangible – was considered a source of national or ethnic identity and social cohesion. If we consider the present globalization, urbanization, demographic changes, Diasporas, forced immigration due to wars or state violence, exile, this statement may silence many conflicts such as class, gender and ethnic ones. The aim of this paper is thus to propose a theoretical approach to heritage management, stressing the importance of gender studies to discuss a more inclusive approach to past. Taking into account Nara + 20 document and some projects held at Curitiba, Brazil, - a partnership between Federal University of Paraná and the Paraná State Museum - as case study, I shall argue that recognizing present challenges, the rights of communities to manage cultural expressions and create their own narratives of past can be an important tools for local empowerment and new narratives of the past.
I shall also argue that interdisciplinarity and social responsibility are part of this process and public discussion on how we commemorate the past allows us to create more positive contributions for future generations. If we accept heritage and reconstructions can improve specific futures, it is relevant to discuss methodological and theoretical frames to promote multivocal history, cultural diversity, social inclusion and sustainable practices. The main point is to discuss what heritage means and how communication can improve public involvement. To conclude I shall explore how engaged museology can play an important role for social and political empowerment and help us to construct new ways to learn from the past and to create more inclusive paths for the future.